At What Age Should Myopia Management Begin in Houston?

Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children, especially as screen time and indoor activities rise. For parents in Houston, understanding when to begin myopia management is crucial to protecting their child’s long-term vision and eye health. Early detection and proactive care can make a lasting difference in slowing its progression.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision, making it harder for children to see the board in class or recognize faces from afar. While glasses and contact lenses can correct vision, they don’t stop the underlying condition from worsening.

When Should Myopia Management Begin?

In most cases, myopia management should begin as soon as your child shows signs of nearsightedness - often between the ages of 6 and 12. This is the period when the eyes are still developing and myopia tends to progress rapidly. Starting management early can help slow eye growth and reduce the risk of future eye health issues like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.

What Myopia Management Options Are Available?

At Pupila Family Eye & Ear Care, we offer a range of personalized myopia control treatments, including:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea and slow eye growth.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose drops that can help manage eye growth when used consistently.

• Myopia Control Lenses: Specialized glasses or soft contact lenses designed to reduce myopic progression.

Your child’s optometrist will evaluate their prescription, age, lifestyle, and risk factors to create a customized treatment plan.

Why Early Management Matters

The earlier myopia management begins, the more effectively it can slow progression. Children’s eyes grow quickly, and without intervention, mild nearsightedness can progress to high myopia, increasing the likelihood of future vision complications. Starting treatment early helps protect your child’s vision and reduces the need for stronger prescriptions later on.

Schedule a Myopia Consultation in Lantern Lane

Myopia management is most effective when started early - ideally as soon as nearsightedness is detected. Regular eye exams and timely treatment can help your child maintain clearer, healthier vision throughout life.

Schedule your child’s eye exam at Pupila Family Eye & Ear Care to learn more about customized myopia management solutions. Contact our Lantern Lane office in Houston, Texas, by calling (713) 324-8889 to book an appointment today.